Correction: Please note that a representative for the cast has reached out to me and I have updated the article to reflect the information that was provided to me today. During the event, tensions were high and misinformation happens. In an attempt to keep this article as accurate as possible, I have retracted one part and you will see this reflected in the article. Please note, that this was not an intentional misrepresentation of facts.

﻿Previously on Space City Comic Con.....

Thousands made their way to NRG Park this year for Space City Comic Con. The main attraction was the cast of FX's smash hit show Sons Of Anarchy. The fans poured in and many spent an upward of thousands of dollars to get their chance to score autographs, pictures and VIP treatment at the event. What they received was far from what they paid for and many of the General Admission ticket holders were treated better than the VIPS. Many VIPS opened their wallets and depleted their savings for this once in a lifetime event.

I attended this event to review it and cover the festivities for everyone who couldn't make it. Yet, when I showed up, I was blown away at how disorganized this convention was. Long lines for VIPS, panels canceled, and photo op tickets not being honored. I've never seen such a poorly ran event.

In my previous article, I covered these main points and upon posting to social media, the comments and responses came flooding in. I knew I had to get back and get answers. I wanted to first thank each and everyone of you that shared with me your experiences, shared the article and got the word around.

Information desk

After receiving no help at the Media & Special Guest desk, I headed where I'm sure many of you went, the Information Desk. The two working at the desk were over worked, and underpaid (many of the staff were actually volunteers). They were able to direct me to a gentleman named Phil, who agreed to help me and called down the "man in charge" named Johnny Steverson. He was called on the radio and I was told he would meet me at the information desk in 10 minutes, he was on his way. Well that didn't happen. Many of the SOA agents and other talent's agents were there waiting as well. I can tell you that NONE were happy. What I did manage to find out, was that many of the volunteers bailed Friday when the shit hit the fan. They were "paid" by free access into the event to look around. They also cited, the main problem was lack of communication. No one reported information back to them, so they had no idea what was going on. Many requested Walkie-Talkies to get information but were denied, and told that they "don't want to know". Many of you reported that staff was completely unhelpful when you approached them with questions. They were left in the dark, just as much as the attendees. I wasn't able to get a comment from Co-Owner Johnny Steverson, but apparently Houston Press was able to. This was taken from an article published by Houston Press's reporter Jef Rouner.

Some of the celebrities got off to a late start Friday, which sparked outrage online. Co-owner Johnny Steverson explained it was due to the bad weather delaying their arrival. Vendors Sunday that we checked with said they’d started on time....After that, Steverson went into strict no comment mode when asked about reports of bounced checks including one to Sons of Anarchy’s Charlie Hunnam who was reported to have been at the event Saturday morning but left. Steverson also said no comment when asked if any VIP ticket purchasers had requested their money back. There were reports Saturday that not all pre-paid celebrity autographs were being honored.

Rusty Coones Interview

While talking with Mr. Coones, it became clear that many of the reports on social media were correct. I refused to report on any of it, until I had information directly from a source. The previously included statement about the rooms not being paid for has been retracted- A representative from the staff contacted me and informed me that I was misinformed about the exact situation. There was a mishap regarding the hotel check in. The credit card for the room was for the reservations and not for incidentals. Upon checking in, some cast members had to pay cash for the incidentals, instead of putting their own credit card up, and risking being charged upon checking out. The cast was NOT charged for their room. I was informed during the interview, that there was a problem checking in the hotel due to the credit card not being accepted, it later was realized that we should clarify to what extent. When Mr. Hunnam took his check to the bank to cash it, he found out that the check that was given to him was written from an account that had been CLOSED. This happened to the entire cast. Many of the actors went to the promoters office to demand payment, where the promoter ended up calling the cops because he was "being held hostage". The cast was in no way held him hostage, but wanted answers and payment. The panel schedule was completely jacked up, the cast was not given the correct times for photo ops and for panels. The Friday panel was canceled due to the AVI team refusing to allow anyone onstage until they were paid. They were promised payment upfront, instead they weren't paid and pulled the plug on the event. The cast was all there, waiting to go on. It seems that the event promoter broke the contract not once, but TWICE. He attempted to pay the cast with pre-sale ticket money. This would explain why there were so many inconsistencies and ticket gouging happening online. Many people were "forced" to buy the VIP because there was no option to purchase a day pass. Overall, it was clear after this interview that a huge CON had taken place, leaving the cast unpaid and the fans unaware of what was happening. The promoter was described by cast as a "fraud, unethical and has broken the contract twice."

Saving Grace

﻿﻿While the cast and fans were screwed royally, Space City Comic Con officials have yet to comment on whether or not refunds will be issued, or when the cast will be paid. Many cast members stayed at the event all weekend, taking photos and signing autographs for the fans. They were no longer able to accept the pre-purchased tickets, but they lowered the prices for everyone so each fan could get an autograph and photo. I have to say, the cast was amazing and went out of their way for the fans. In the end, these guys lost time and money and were violated by broken contracts and lies. If it was me, I don't know if I would've stayed.

Final Thoughts

Although the convention ended up being a disaster for not only the attendees, but the SOA cast, there were some pretty decent parts. The other exhibitors were great and there was a lot of talent that were overshadowed due to the unfortunate events. I met some amazing people while there and my heart goes out to everyone, including the cast that were taken advantage of and ripped off. I met two amazing ladies that run a SOA fan group. You can find the on Twitter @soaaddicts and @sutterphiles. I will have links below to check them out. I want to thank each and every one of you that shared my articles and shared your experiences with me. It's been the greatest pleasure to meet you all and I hope that this event doesn't hinder future comic conventions. This is NOT how they are ran. If you have any information about the facebook group that was started by attendees, please message me or leave a comment with that link. I would love to follow up to see the outcome of all of this. Thank you again to Rusty Coones and his staff for accommodating this lonely journalist on her quest to provide fans with the truth. Many refused to offer a comment but you rose above all of it for the FANS. I truly applaud that and respect you tremendously. Best wishes to you both in all future endeavors.

I have to give a huge shoutout and thanks to these guys. They took time to help me get my interview and get the info I needed. Best advice of the day from a wise man, never give up at a no, you wont get anywhere in life if you take no for an answer. This article would not have been possible without his help.

Much of this would not have been possible without everyone's contributions. Thank you all for allowing me to share the truth with the masses. Your support allows me to continue to do what I love.